Connecting Structural Member

Abstract

An insert for connecting to a receiving structure having at least two parallel members includes having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; a first spline disposed at the first end of the cylinder, wherein the first spline is arranged circumferentially on an outer surface of the cylinder; and an interlocking clinch disposed at the second end of the cylinder and circumferentially around the cylinder; wherein the first spline and the interlocking clinch are respectively fastened to two parallel members of the structure, and at least one of the first and second ends of the cylinder is fastened to a fitting member through a connecting member. The first spline can be fitted to one member of the structure with interference, and the interlocking clinch is self-fastened with another member of the structure due to material flow.

1 . An insert for providing a connection to a receiving structure, comprising:
 a receiving structure have at least two spaced-apart parallel members;   a cylinder having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end;   a first spline disposed at the first end of the cylinder, wherein the first spline is arranged circumferentially on an outer surface of the cylinder; and   an interlocking clinch comprising a displacer and an undercut disposed at the second end of the cylinder and circumferentially around the cylinder; and   wherein the first spline and the interlocking clinch are respectively fastened to the two spaced apart parallel surfaces of the receiving structure and at least one of the first and second ends of the cylinder is fastened to a fitting member by a connecting member.   
     
     
         2 . The insert of  claim 1 , wherein each of the parallel members has a mounting hole aligned with a central axis, the first spline is fitted to a first mounting hole with interference, and the interlocking clinch is fitted to a second mounting hole by pressure riveting. 
     
     
         3 . The insert of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a step disposed between the cylinder and the interlocking clinch, the step comprising a flange perpendicular to an axial direction of the cylinder and a displacer parallel with an outer surface of the cylinder; and,   wherein an outer diameter of the cylinder is larger than an outer diameter of the displacer.   
     
     
         4 . The insert of  claim 3 , wherein the flange abuts a lateral surface around the second mounting hole and an inner diameter of the second mounting hole is larger than an outer diameter of the interlocking clinch, and smaller than an outer diameter of the displacer. 
     
     
         5 . The insert of  claim 3 , wherein the displacer has a second spline. 
     
     
         6 . The insert  claim 4 , further including an undercut on the cylinder located immediately below the displacer. 
     
     
         7 . The insert of  claim 2 , wherein the cylinder is in contact with and fastened onto an inner surface of the first mounting hole at the first end of the cylinder only by the first spline. 
     
     
         8 . The insert of  claim 1 , wherein the cylinder has a axial hole, the axial hole being one of a threaded blind hole, a threaded through hole, an unthreaded blind hole, an unthreaded through hole, a half-threaded hole, an unthreaded step hole, or a double-sided and double-ended blind hole. 
     
     
         9 . The insert of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second ends of the cylinder has a connecting rod extending axially from the cylinder, the connecting rod being one of an unthreaded rod or a threaded rod. 
     
     
         10 . The insert of  claim 1 , wherein the cylinder, the first spline and the interlocking clinch are formed as a single piece. 
     
     
         11 . The insert of  claim 1 , wherein the cylinder is composed of one of an aluminum material, a carbon steel material, or a stainless steel material.